Breaking new ground with monitoring system for injection moulding

At Fakuma
2018, the Kistler Group showcased its latest monitoring and control packages
for ComoNeo, its high-quality process monitoring system that is designed to
deliver efficiency and transparency for injection moulding. Unlike ever before,
system users can choose their own packages from the vast range of functions
available in the system.

ComoNeo is
the system of choice for plastics processing companies looking to boost product
quality and cost efficiency by optimizing their injection moulding processes.
Kistler is constantly developing this process monitoring system - not only to
accommodate new application cases but also to ensure comprehensive optimization
in every respect coupled with maximum cost efficiency.

Based on
the measurement of cavity pressure with tried-and-tested sensors from Kistler,
users are provided with modular functions to support predictive control of the
injection moulding process leading to optimum results. Support, monitoring,
control and prediction make Version 3.0 of Kistler's ComoNeo the leader in
process transparency, which is essential for Industry 4.0.

ComoNeo: guiding users to desired results

A key
benefit of this system is its ability to support users according to their
individual levels of know-how. Kistler has integrated a prediction tool into
ComoNeo: the Stasa QC software, which uses measured values and statistical
analyses to calculate the quality of the manufactured components in advance,
and to assess them within the tolerance bands. This special type of process
monitoring is particularly useful for manufacturers of high-grade parts - in
medical technology or other sectors where safety is critical, for instance.

To ensure
optimal product quality and cost efficiency for their injection moulding
processes, customers can tailor their own ComoNeo with these functions:

- ComoNeoPredict:
allows model-based prediction of specified part quality based on the cavity
pressure and temperature profiles - for optimum process parameters and
transparent processes;

- ComoNeoMerge:
when multiple components are used, process technology becomes more complex -
but ComoNeo 3.0 can easily accommodate this challenge; the system monitors and
evaluates up to four components with different mould technologies;

- ComoNeoMultiFlow:
for moulds with multiple cavities, this option allows hot runner balancing
through individual adjustment of the nozzle temperature - to ensure identical
injection conditions in all cavities and automatic correction of deviations;

- ComoNeoSwitch:
this function ensures automated switchover from the injection phase to the
holding phase at the ideal time - for balanced injection behavior and optimum
mould protection during the process;

- ComoNeoComposite,
another new feature: injection moulding with the RTM process can now be
optimized; special RTM sensors from Kistler create the conditions for
controlled high-quality machining of long-fibre composites;

- ComoNeoGuard:
this function helps users to define monitoring windows that enable accurate
separation of good and bad parts on a step-by-step basis; the benefits:
guaranteed part quality and less pseudo scrap;

- ComoNeoRecover:
this feature makes it possible to reproduce a proven injection moulding process
on a different machine; the user is guided through the adaptation step by step,
deviations are identified and the assistant suggests corrective actions.

ComoDataCenter: transparent processes enhance
quality and cut costs

As soon as
ComoNeo has been specifically tailored to individual application, everything
quite literally comes together in the ComoDataCenter, a database that stores
all the process data and establishes a seamless communication with overarching
systems. Users benefit from the comprehensive overview of their entire
injection moulding production, which ultimately provides for a sound basis for
ongoing analysis and optimization.

"We're
offering companies a complete modular and multifunctional package that fulfils
all the requirements for intelligent and efficient injection molding. ComoNeo
is Industry 4.0 put into practice”, said Robert Vaculik, head of Kistler's strategic
business field plastics. “Mastery of new processes and greater levels of
complexity shows the full extent of what injection moulding can achieve in
terms of quality - and the potential of process-integrated quality monitoring
is far from being exhausted. Development is certainly set to continue".

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Press registered at the Milan Court, n.144 at 03/22/2010 Pubblisher: Mario Maggiani.Reproduction prohibited, all rights reserved. The editorial staff disclaims all responsibility regarding the worth of articles and news from various sources.